COVID-19 External Community Resources

This document was created to collect resources for alleviating primarily non-medical problems caused by the public emergency surrounding COVID-19. These issues include financial, emotional, logistical, and childcare challenges. Resources have been collected from news articles, local Facebook groups, grassroots organizations, etc.

This protocol is especially important because: "Community spread" has reached Madison. There’s some evidence from Korean COVID-19 testing that people in their 20s are the most likely asymptomatic carriers. Furthermore, asymptomatic transmission is an important way COVID-19 is spread. Early research is showing that "the viral load of the specimens from the asymptomatic patients was higher than the viral load of the specimens from the three patients who did have symptoms." The more social distancing, the better it will be for everyone.

If your income has fallen or been cut off completely, we’re here to help. This guide will connect you to the basic information you’ll need to get through this, including on government benefits, free services and financial strategies. This guide has been updated with the details of the $2 trillion relief plan that has been enacted by Washington.

Google.org has announced expanded COVID-19 Support Resources: free access to Google tools and distance learning. This includes support on Google Classroom, the virtual meeting tool Google Meet, and preparing students for distance learning on Google Chromebooks.

The Urban League has a long history of helping job seekers meet their employment goals through our vast network of partnerships with employers across many industries and job types. During this unprecedented crisis we remain ready to help! %p If you have been laid off or furloughed due to the current public health situation (or for any reason), let us help. Our team of highly experienced employment specialists can provide you with an array of support to meet your immediate and future employment needs. This includes connections to our network of business partners, many of whom are seeking immediate. There is NO COST for our services. Complete the interest form below and we’ll contact you within 24 hours for an initial consultation to discuss your employment needs. You can also reach us by calling (608) 729-1234. We understand these are difficult times, and we stand ready to help!

This form is intended to (1) collect signatures and (2) mobilize people across Wisconsin to pressure Gov. Evers to freeze rent, mortgage and utility collections during the coronavirus. In addition to signing this form, we encourage you to email Gov. Evers' office (EversInfo@wisconsin.gov) and encourage him to suspend rent, mortgage, and utility collections during the coronavirus crisis. In these interactions, be direct and personal. Our governor must hear how we, and our communities are being affected by this crisis.

Avoiding public spaces and working remotely can help to reduce the spread of COVID-19, but for many survivors, staying home may not be the safest option. We know that any external factors that add stress and financial strain can negatively impact survivors and create circumstances where their safety is further compromised. Abuse is about power and control. When survivors are forced to stay in the home or in close proximity to their abuser more frequently, an abuser can use any tool to exert control over their victim, including a national health concern such as COVID-19. In a time where companies may be encouraging that their employees work remotely, and the CDC is encouraging “social distancing,” an abuser may take advantage of an already stressful situation to gain more control.

This Madison Homeless Resource Guide was compiled by Tami Fleming and done in cooperation with many Homeless Service Consortium Agencies and Advocates. It is intended to help any and all first responders find the information they may need to assist a homeless individual or family immediately.

The Wisconsin Department of Children and Families has requested that this letter be sent to all foster parents. Please continue to check the DCF website for regular updates. Questions about the information in this letter can be submitted to DCFMBCOVID19@wisconsin.gov.

Policymakers are considering a legislative spending package aimed at addressing the impact of the Coronavirus on public health and the economy. Any comprehensive response to Coronavirus should include resources to help ensure housing stability for low-income individuals and people experiencing homelessness. Access to healthcare, housing, food assistance and other services provided in response to Coronavirus should be available to everyone, regardless of income, immigration status, or insurance.

Acknowledging, recognizing and acting on mental distress in these uncertain times is key to lessening the impact. Here are a few of our coping strategies to help those who may be experiencing mental health challenges during this health pandemic.

Schools are closed but MMSD will be providing free, nutritious meals for kids daily at sites around Madison. A take-home breakfast and lunch will be provided in pre-packaged paper bags at each drop-off site, once per day. Sites and times are listed below.%p Given that our school buildings are closed, meals will be distributed at these sites to children from a food truck stationed outside of the school building. We strongly encourage practicing social distancing when picking up meals and thorough hand-washing with soap and water before eating the take-home meals.

The Dane County COVID–19 Emergency and Recovery Fund was created through the generosity of area businesses and individuals for the purpose of addressing the needs of the community that arise as a result of the COVID-19 emergency in Dane County. The Fund is designed to complement the work of the City, County, public health officials and school officials and expand local capacity to address all aspects of the outbreak’s effect on our community as efficiently as possible.

The Hmong Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce (HWCC) has announced a new Emergency Loan Fund (COVID-19) in response to the negative impact that Coronavirus (COVID-19) has had on the Wisconsin business community. Business must be located in a low- to moderate-income tract or be a minority-owned business located in Wisconsin.

Please ask questions related to COVID-19 and business here. Note that if someone has already asked a question that you were hoping to see answered, you can “up vote” that question using the “thumbs up.” Questions are moderated.